The bar scene in Los Angeles is constantly changing. With so much competition throughout the city, many of these bars rise to popularity for a brief period, eventually fading out or even closing down altogether. However, for whatever reason, there are a few select bars that continue to draw in crowds of people week after week. Below is a list of ten Los Angeles bars that aren’t just popular, they also serve as an anchor for their respective neighborhoods — reflecting its unique culture and lifestyle.

Courtesy of The Bungalow

The Bungalow - Santa Monica

Located conveniently down the street from both the beach and downtown Santa Monica is a laidback lounge, The Bungalow. This hangout has been a neighborhood staple for years, and it draws in a variety of people, but mostly young professionals. With game rooms, an expansive indoor bar, garden, and festive outdoor patio, both locals and tourists have plenty of opportunities to hang out at here.

Courtesy of The Abbey

The Abbey - West Hollywood

Expect anything at The Abbey, an award-winning bar known as “The Best Gay Bar” in the world. A perfect match for the diverse West Hollywood neighborhood, this bar is almost always crowded, especially during weekend nights when dancers grace the stage (which extends through the entire bar) with their acrobatic moves. Many people don’t know that even during the day, The Abbey doubles as a top-quality brunch restaurant.

Courtesy of Sassafras Saloon

Sassafras Saloon – Hollywood

Sassafras Saloon is considered a local gem in Hollywood thanks to its jazzy tunes and fun drinks. Unlike the array of other Hollywood bars, Sassafras stands out because it’s set up like an old western saloon. The saloon regularly hires up-and-coming local musicians to perform live on its dramatic top floor stage, which overlooks the main bar. 

Courtesy of West Restaurant and Lounge

West Restaurant & Lounge – Brentwood

Located inside the upscale Hotel Angeleno is the panoramic rooftop bar West Restaurant & Lounge, which is on the hotel’s 17th floor. Many locals like to either bring out-of-towners or dates to West Lounge for drinks because of its expansive views of Brentwood and Santa Monica.

Courtesy of Gaam

Gaam Restaurant & Lounge – Koreatown

For a night out in Koreatown, many locals head towards the plaza at Alexandria and 6th St., which houses several Korean BBQ restaurants, bars, and even after-bar karaoke. Gaam is the perfect place for large groups looking to share pitchers of yogurt soju and cheese corn. The crowd tends to get rowdier as the night progresses, so most people tend to come here early in the night.

Courtesy of Bigfoot Lodge West / Facebook

Bigfoot Lodge West – Palms

This bar is big on taxidermy, so expect to see animal heads and horns decorated throughout the bar. Bigfoot Lodge West specializes in inventive cocktails such as the Toasted Marshmallow and the Girl Scout Cookie, and it offers patrons seating everywhere from the bar and indoor sitting room to the outdoor patio. It’s no wonder people in the Palms neighborhood keep coming back.

Courtesy of The Blind Donkey

The Blind Donkey – Pasadena

With a full whiskey bar, an elevated bar, and a game room, The Blind Donkey reflects the simple elegance and taste of Old Town Pasadena. Locals relish in the bar’s familial vibe and overall laid-back atmosphere. It’s not surprising for the bartenders to know its regulars by name.

Courtesy of Tiki Ti / Facebook

Tiki-Ti Cocktail Lounge - Los Feliz

Fondly known to locals as Tiki, the Ti, and sometimes the Tik, this little Hawaiian-style oasis can be found in an unassuming nook in the trendy neighborhood of Los Feliz. Tiki-Ti Cocktail Lounge is not only a local landmark, it’s also the go-to spot for colorful tropical cocktails. The small lounge is family-owned, full of character, and it’s been around for over 50 years.

Courtesy of The Otheroom

The Otheroom – Venice

The Otheroom is a simple and modern bar that’s frequented by both locals and visitors. While tourists are drawn to the lounge’s cool name and prime location on Abbot Kinney Blvd., locals gravitate towards this spot because of its local, craft, and specialty beers and wine. The Otheroom’s vibe is also intimate and romantic, so many people enjoy coming here for date night.

Courtesy of 213 Hospitality / Seven Grand

Seven Grand – Downtown

Speaking of whiskey bars, Seven Grand is definitely one of Downtown’s staple establishments for those who enjoy trying out a wide arsenal of whiskey. It has a sprawling outdoor balcony, several pool tables, live music, and knowledgeable bartenders, so you’re set up to have a good night no matter what you’re there for.